The hours slipped by under the heavy weight of rain outside. The world was quiet, only the faint drip of water from the roof and the distant rustle of trees stirred the silence. In the dim glow of lantern light, Dila stirred weakly on the bed. Her breath trembled, shallow and uneven, as her body screamed with every motion. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open.... her vision hazy, swimming with pain.
Two healers were already at her side, their hands glowing faintly with healing magic. Yet their presence was not what pulled her gaze first.
Behind them stood Albedo.
Her father's tall figure loomed like a shadow in the room, his eyes fixed upon her with cold stillness. He said nothing, made no movement.... he simply watched. The weight of that gaze felt heavier than the wounds in her body.
